Illinois AD says he's pleased with direction of football program

Zook and all assistants get substantial pay increases

February 16, 2011|By Chris Hine, Tribune reporter

Ron Zook hoists the championship trophy after a victory over Baylor in the Texas Bowl. (George Bridges, McClatchy-Tribune)

CHAMPAIGN — Illinois athletic director said Wednesday he was pleased with the progress of the football program's 7-6 season and a victory in the Texas Bowl in the wake of significant staff changes before the season.

And he put Illinois' money where his mouth is.

Guenther said coach Ron Zook received a raise of approximately $250,000 and each of his assistants received increases as well.

He and basketball coach Bruce Weber will evaluate the straining basketball program "from A to Z" following this season.

Guenther spoke to reporters Wednesday to give a sort of state of Illinois athletics address and said that while no football coaches received extensions, all received raises. Zook has three years remaining on his contract and now will make $1.75 million, up from about $1.5 million.

"I think (Zook) did an exceptional job of finding two coordinators, changed the offense, changed the defense and for the most part we are very pleased with where we're at," Guenther said.

Offensive coordinator Paul Petrino received a $50,000 raise to $525,000 while defensive coordinator Vic Koenning received a $17,000 raise to $342,000 per year. All assistants remain on two-year rolling contracts. The goal for the football program, Guenther said, is to make a bowl game every year, even as the Big Ten becomes a tougher conference with the addition of Nebraska.

"I remind everybody, that this staff was the first that had everything it possibly needed to win," Guenther said. "We finally have a physical plant that will compete with anybody in the country.

"That wasn't on the table when Ron Turner was here. We have a budget where I've said, 'You go get the best coach and then you tell me what it is that you need to pay that coach.' That was not the case for a long time."

As for the basketball program, which could miss the NCAA tournament for the third time in four seasons, Guenther said he understood the frustration of the fans.

"We have a senior class that probably hasn't played to their potential," Guenther said.

He added that there is no reason for Illinois ever to miss the NCAA tournament.

"You can't come from Illinois and not expect get into the tournament," Guenther said. "We expect to get in that tournament. This is a good basketball league, but there's no reason that we can't compete at the highest level here."

Guenther added that if a staff change was necessary to "make this thing click," that decision would come from Weber and not above him.

"The question will be, with (him and me) as we talk about it. You can't be loyal to a fault, but everything from front to back has to be overturned," Guenther said. "So if he thought that there had to be a staff change to make this thing click, I believe Bruce will do that."

As for his own future as athletic director, Guenther said his contract expires July 1 and he has not made a firm decision about his future. He expects to make one in the coming weeks.

"There's a time and a place to step aside," Guenther said. "With a new board, new president, new chancellor this might be the time. I don't know. We'll see."

But whether he is here or not, Guenther added that he will press aside in coming months on plans to renovate Assembly Hall. However, the earliest renovations can begin would be the spring of 2012.